Peace River
© Brad Hubley, 2025
The Peace River is a 1,923-kilometre-long river that drains an area of approximately 302,500 km2 in Canada. Originating in the Rocky Mountains of northern British Columbia it flows to the northeast through northern Alberta where it joins the Athabasca River in the Peace-Athabasca Delta to form the Slave River, a tributary of the Mackenzie River. The Finlay River, the main headwater of the Peace River, is regarded as the ultimate source of the Mackenzie River. The combined Finlay–Peace–Slave–Mackenzie river system is the 13th longest river system in the world.
Peace River Arch
https://ags.aer.ca/publications/atlas-western-canada-sedimentary-basin/chapter-28-geological-history-peace-river-arch
The geology of the Peace River region, particularly in Alberta and British Columbia, is characterized by the Peace River Arch, a large cratonic uplift, and the influence of glacial activity. The Peace River itself has carved a valley through Quaternary sediments and bedrock, with failures occurring in both. The region also features the Peace River Formation, a sub-division of the Fort St. John Group, and the Peace River Arch, which has significantly influenced hydrocarbon exploration.
Quaternary Sediments and Bedrock
© Brad Hubley, 2025
The Peace River has incised through a significant thickness of Quaternary sediments and bedrock, leading to landslides and infrastructure problems in the area, particularly in the town of Peace River.
Logging Requirements:
To log this Earthcache, send me the answers to the following questions (please do not include them in your log).
- The elevation of the Peace River is approximately 406 m above sea level. How deep is the valley at the posted co-ordinates?
- What has happened to the slope on your left. Do you think this is the result of water, wind, or both?
- Optional: an image of the area is greatly appreciated but not necessary.